Complex treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the degenerative dystrophic type, in which the structure and function of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs are impaired, which causes violation of the roots of the intervertebral nerves and, therefore, causes symptoms. Osteochondrosis is a chronic pathology that arises under the influence of a complex of reasons - from the evolutionary and anatomical characteristics of the structure of the human skeleton to the influence of external factors, such as working conditions, lifestyle, overweight, injuries andothers. In most cases, osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbar spine is diagnosed as the most exposed to stress. The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is complex and long-term, with the main objective of relieving symptoms and preventing complications.

Symptoms

Damage to the upper spine can manifest itself in a mass of symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the dystrophic process, as well as the severity of the compromised root structures of the cervical spine. Patients' complaints are often reduced to symptoms that at first glance are unrelated, which can complicate the diagnosis and further treatment of the disease.

In general, the clinic for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the following series of syndromes:

• Vertebral, characterized by several types of pain in the occiput and neck.
• Spinal, in which symptoms of impaired motor and sensory innervation are observed, in addition, disturbed trophism of the cervical area causes gradual atrophy of the scapular waist and arm muscles.
• Root, expressed as pain symptoms in Organs peritoneal and thoracic organs, which requires an additional careful diagnosis to differentiate osteochondrosis and diseases of Organs internal organs.
• Vertebral artery syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis - vestibular disorders manifested by headaches, hearing loss, dizziness until loss of consciousness.

These phenomena occur when the cause of cerebral ischemia due to a violation of the vertebral artery and weakened blood supply.

How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis of the cervical segment develops gradually, and patients generally seek treatment already at the stage of clinical manifestations that interfere with quality of life, during periods of exacerbation. How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, only the doctor decides after the proper diagnosis, self-medication in this case is unacceptable.

The treatment of neck osteochondrosis aims to eliminate pain, inflammation, partial or total restoration of the affected tissue structures and prevent complications.

Treatment should be mainly outpatient, any procedures at home can only be in conjunction with medical prescriptions, after instrumental and laboratory diagnosis.

In advanced cases, in severe stages of development of neurological injuries and concomitant pathologies, hospital treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with the possibility of surgical intervention may be indicated.

Medication for cervical osteochondrosis

It consists of scheduling courses for medications that relieve symptoms of pain and inflammation. In the acute period, the drugs are presented in an injectable form, after some pain relief, the patient takes pills, agents of local action in the form of ointments, and continues to receive injections.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are considered the drugs of choice in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis for the relief of pain and inflammation. They are drugs based on diclofenac and indomethacin, available in different dosage forms. They reduce the swelling of soft tissues, thus reducing pain, the local agents have a warming effect, which improves blood flow in the affected cervical region. These drugs are used for 5 to 10 days, sometimes up to 2 weeks. In the acute period, NSAIDs are prescribed in the form of injections, after a few days the patient changes to the tablet administration form. It is important to remember that prolonged treatment with NSAIDs negatively affects the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, so the course of treatment generally does not exceed 10 days.

Sedatives such as persen, glycate, valerian tincture, peony, herbal teas are recommended for prolonged pain and to reduce the risk of neuroticization of the patient, which contributes to the effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Local irritants. They are ointments with local action, gels and rubs that have a warming, irritating and distracting effect. They are not used to treat the acute phase. They contain biologically active substances of plant and animal origin, for example, bee or snake venom. This group includes viprosal, apizartron, menovazin, nayatoks. In the presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and of high irritating effect, it is better not to use them, in order not to cause further edema. Vitamins. During the treatment and rehabilitation period, multivitamin complexes are recommended for use. It is usually a group of B vitamins, whose representatives are involved in ensuring normal nerve conduction, as well as vitamins A and C, to strengthen blood vessel walls and improve blood flow. Vitamin intake reduces vestibular disorders - sickness syndrome, dizziness, hearing loss.

Chondroprotectors. They are substances that contribute to the restoration of the cartilaginous tissue of the vertebral discs of the cervical segment. These include glucosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfate. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with chondroprotectors is carried out for a long time, 6-12 months.

Orthopedic treatments

Unpleasant symptoms in the cervical spine are often caused and aggravated by inadequate body position during sleep, a long stay in a forced position or trauma. Therefore, the treatment complex also includes methods such as:

Neck necklace or Shants necklace. It is prescribed individually for each patient, after medical consultation, as it comes in several varieties. The collar is a dense roller frame that is tightened around the neck and holds the vertebrae in the necessary position. The neck, therefore, does not bend and the head does not turn to the side, which ensures the immobilization of the diseased area, which is important in acute periods. The stem collar can also be made of two rollers with an inflatable layer, in which air is injected by means of a rubber bulb. The inflation of the interlayer between the rollers stretches the spine, which allows to increase the interarticular gaps in the cervical spine. The degree of stretching is determined by the doctor, it is not recommended to solve this problem alone, in order to avoid damage to the neurovascular bundles of the neck. During the recovery period, a fully inflatable collar is worn, which retains some mobility in the neck and head.

The collar can be used at home for a maximum of 3 hours a day, the general rate of use is about one month. End-use regulations are determined by the doctor, depending on the severity of the condition and symptoms.

Correct posture. During sleep, it is necessary to keep the body in an anatomically correct position, when the nerves and vessels of the cervical spine are not compressed, this can be done with orthopedic mattresses and pillows. During waking, the patient needs to control the position of the body and correctly choose a table and chair with adequate height. Stretching. The treatment procedure consists of stretching the ligaments of the spine to increase the distance between the vertebrae by 1-3 mm. Traction helps to reduce or completely eliminate compression of the herniated root disc or bony protuberances of the vertebra. The procedure removes intervertebral dislocations, reduces muscle contractures. The traction must be performed under stationary conditions by a doctor and, after the procedure, the cervical spine is fixed with a collar or similar device for several hours. The course of treatment with extractions is on average 10-20 sessions.

Massage

The massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is an important and mandatory part of the treatment, along with medication courses. It is prescribed during periods of remission, to speed recovery and prevent relapse. Massage is used both in the classical manual and in its varieties of methods of oriental medicine.

A well-done massage stimulates blood circulation in the neck and collar area, improves the trophism of damaged tissues, relieves muscle and vascular spasm and gives relief to the patient. The general course of massage treatment is 10-14 procedures, every day or every other day, every 3-6 months. In the presence of severe pain, osteochondrosis massage treatment is not performed. At home, you can do a self-massage in the diseased cervical area.

Physiotherapy exercises

Exercise therapy is always performed, except in periods of exacerbation with pain. Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis can be performed at home, although it is advisable to do this under the supervision of an instructor until correct execution is achieved. The set of exercises consists of:

Turning your head to the side. The head tilts back and forth. Lift your shoulders with your hands fixed or relaxed, holding for 15-20 seconds in this position. Static loads, when the flexor and extensor muscles of the cervical region are stretched in turn, the head does not move.

The total number of repetitions is 5 to 7 times, a session lasts 15 to 20 minutes. As part of a treatment complex, exercise therapy helps to speed recovery and increase remission.

Physiotherapy and reflexology

In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, electrophoresis with NSAIDs, anesthetics, hormonal preparations are used, diadynamic currents, laser and shockwave therapy are also effective. Physiotherapy in the early stage of development can lead to complete healing and, in difficult cases, increase the remission time. These treatment methods are used during rehabilitation periods after treating exacerbations.

Reflexology as a method of influencing certain points on the body's skin, where the internal organs are designed, is also used during recovery periods and helps to decrease inflammation, improve blood flow, relieve tissue congestion and reducemuscle spasms. Of the treatment methods, acupuncture, acupressure and hirudotherapy are the most used - placing leeches on the skin of the cervical region.

Using these methods can shorten the time and amount of medication taken and promote recovery.

Things to do at home

If the patient's conditions permit, the manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis can be treated at home. For example, therapeutic exercises can be performed at home, as long as there are no contraindications and constant specialist supervision is not necessary. It should be remembered that the appearance of pain and cracking in the neck is a reason to stop and seek qualified treatment.

The application of locally acting drugs in the form of ointments, gels, adhesives is also done at home, strictly according to the medical prescription.

In addition, it is possible to treat at home using some physiotherapy devices - for magnetotherapy and ultraviolet radiation and reflexology devices.

Folk remedies are also used in the form of compresses and compresses in the painful cervical region of grated potatoes, horseradish leaves, propolis, aloe vera and other herbal ingredients. Traditional methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis are palliative, temporarily relieve pain, edema, warm the affected part and should not be limited to them.

All means of treating cervical spine osteochondrosis should be complementary and carried out in consultation with the doctor, after a comprehensive diagnosis.

Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine involves the use of conservative methods to provide adequate pain relief and there is no risk of significant interruption of the patient's daily activities.

Symptoms of the disease

Folding, lifting, rotating and twisting constantly over many years of life, of course, negatively affects the health of the neck and the quality of its structural components. With all these repetitive tensions in the neck, it's no surprise that about two-thirds of people experience neck pain at some point in their lives. Painful sensations can be alarming symptoms of a disease like osteochondrosis.

Attention! Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is considered one of the most common pathologies. This disease most often affects people of working age, leading a sedentary lifestyle.

The disease is initially asymptomatic. However, in the case of symptoms such as persistent headaches, as well as pain in the heart and under the scapula, this disease requires immediate and effective treatment.

Degenerative processes can lead to the following manifestations:

• acute pain;
• double vision;
• dizziness;
• numbness in the shoulder area;
• weakness in shoulders, arms.

This discomfort and loss of mobility can have a significant impact on career, family and quality of life.

The cervical spine is made up of seven bones called vertebrae, which are separated from each other by discs filled with a cushioning gelatinous substance. This design offers the ability to stabilize the neck, gently rotate it from side to side and tilt it back and forth.

Over time, these natural buffers wear out and can start to degrade. The space between the vertebrae is narrowed and the nerve endings are compressed. This process is known as cervical osteochondrosis. It is important to note that the research shows that about 25% of asymptomatic people under 40 and 60% over 40 have some degree of osteochondrosis. As osteochondrosis progresses, the neck becomes less flexible, the sensation of pain increases, there is a feeling of stiffness, especially at the end of the day. It is for these reasons that osteochondrosis develops.

Attention! Its complications can be fatal.

Diagnostic and treatment resources

The diagnosis of the disease includes the following general manipulations:

• initial inspection;
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging);
• X-ray examination.

Drug therapy is the basis for the combined treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, together with massage. Effective treatments include the following:

• reflexology;
electrostimulation
• ;
• manual therapy.

Physiotherapy can also help reduce pain over a long period of time. The most commonly used methods include:

• acupuncture;
electrophoresis
• ;
• electrical stimulation by microcurrent;
laser therapy
• .

Usually, the course of this treatment for cervical osteochondrosis takes about 14 days.

Simultaneously with the application of ice or heat, with the help of a special medication, it will be possible to obtain pain relief and control pain and inflammation. In addition, exercises for the neck and shoulder girdle, performed independently or with the help of a professional, also help. Exercise helps maintain flexibility. Exercises, especially stretching the neck as much as possible, are essential to maintain flexibility in the neck area. A specific set of exercises must be developed individually by a doctor or physical therapist.

Medicines that can provide relief include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers.

Attention! You should not use these medications for more than seven days without consulting your doctor, as kidney failure can be among the serious unwanted side effects that they can cause.

Steroid medications and muscle relaxants can also be used.

Treatment during an exacerbation

In the acute phase of the disease, when unbearable pain dominates the clinical picture, the main objective of medical therapy is pain relief. In such situations, for a limited period of time, with great care and competence, and only under the supervision of a doctor, you can take painkillers (for example, tramadol, oxadol, orthophen) or more complex medications (arcxia). They are able to relieve muscle pain and tension.

Non-steroidal drugs, which are generally used as pain relievers, can also eliminate the cause of pain - inflammatory edema, which constricts blood vessels and nerves.

The use of muscle relaxants allows to relieve muscle spasm, normalizing the condition of the cervical vertebrae, nerve endings and blood vessels. The use of vitamins is very important.

For severe compression of nerve endings, doctors recommend anticonvulsants. If the pain is not relieved by other means, it will be blocked with novocaine.

If osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is in an acute stage and is accompanied by severe pain, specialists also prescribe local administration of lidocaine and corticosteroids to relieve muscle tension in the spinal segment and reduce pain.

In the treatment of acute pain, medications are administered through injections, so it will be possible to proceed with the treatment in the form of pills, and still alleviate the state of health with ointments.

Antidepressants are prescribed as a supplement in certain cases. These drugs help to psychologically withstand attacks of very severe pain and the specific disorders associated with the cervical spine.

Recommendations for treatment in remission

The treatment period in light stages suggests:

• activation of blood circulation in large vessels and on the periphery;
• improves metabolism;
• restoration and renewal of bone tissue and cartilage structures.

For this purpose, the most appropriate:

• anti-inflammatory gels and ointments containing steroids and pain relievers;
• ointments, whose action is directed to the heating point of the diseased area, capable of increasing blood flow to the diseased area and improving tissue nutrition.

Chondroprotectors (ointments and chondroxide tablets) help to restore cartilaginous intervertebral discs.

Massage creams and ointments with bee venom and plant extracts have a regenerating, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. A therapeutic massage that, if done well, can be done at home to relieve discomfort. In order not to harm the body, you need to follow some simple rules:

• do not press too hard on the neck and back;
• all movements must be from top to bottom.

Topical anesthetic creams include capsaicin. Creams are also effective in treating pain associated with osteochondrosis. It is necessary to apply the cream to the area where the sensation of pain is most present.

Attention! Be sure to wash your hands after rubbing the cream, especially capsaicin, as the cream can irritate the skin on your hands or other parts of the body that will touch your hands.

An unpleasant symptom such as dizziness in osteochondrosis occurs due to vasospasm and inflammation of the nervous tissue. To deal with this, vasodilators and ways to improve blood circulation in the vestibular system.

Vitamin B is also included in the complex therapy of cervical osteochondrosis, as it has the following properties:

• restores tissue sensitivity;
• reduces neurological damage.

You need to be very careful that although there is a very variable variety of quality drugs that help with osteochondrosis, the ingestion of many of them is often accompanied by tangible side effects. It turns out that the condition of the back improves, but difficulties arise in various organs. It is concluded that the drugs are only intended to complement the complex of other methods of combating this disease.

Thanks to an integrated treatment approach, it will be possible to achieve a positive dynamic of the healing process only if the entire spectrum of therapeutic measures is carried out in a consistent, regular and systematic manner.

Often, patients do not pay attention to pain in the neck area, which causes complications.

Treatment with surgery

If the pain persists after six months, during which time competent medication has been performed, and daily activities become more difficult, doctors may recommend resorting to surgery. The operation will aim to interrupt the movement of the affected cervical spine. This will involve removing the disc and inserting a metal or bone graft device to help preserve or restore normal disc space height and neck stability and alignment. Special plates can be used to provide the desired fixation between the two vertebrae.

Attention! Patients should be aware that surgery that results in severe neck pain is much less reliable than surgery to relieve osteochondrosis pain in another part of the body. Therefore, if the only predominant symptom is neck pain, surgery should only be recommended as a last resort and after all other treatment options attempted have failed.

Prevention

Preventive methods to neutralize relapses are formed by complexes of physiotherapy and massage therapy exercises. Correct prevention is an important step towards success.

It will also be very important to note that you need to follow a regular daily diet that minimizes, if not completely eliminated, your intake of salty and spicy foods to minimize bloating and improve metabolism. It will also be useful to do yoga and swimming. Among non-traditional methods, acupuncture and hirudotherapy are often used.